Insurance Company Sold my car!!

The_Edge

My car was recently written off. As soon as the accident happened I was in touch with RSA E-Choice Customer Service and they explained the procedure. I checked with them about the option to buy the car back, and they confirmed I could I just needed to speak with the Engineer once a valuation had been agreed.

Anyway, he called & eventually made me an offer. I told him that I wanted to do some research & would get back to him once I had spoken with my dealer & checked prices for similar cars.

A few days later, I got a SMS from E-Choice saying your cheque will be with you shortly!! I immediately called Customer Service & said how can you issue a cheque when I haven't agreed a valuation??

They put me back to their Engineer, and fair play to him he did increase the valuation to something I was happy with and said they would send a further cheque for the balance. At this point I asked about buying the car back & he quoted me 270 GBP & I would have to arrange collection.

I asked him to give me an hour to speak with my friend who would help me rebuild or dismantle the car. I know it was worth more than that because of the brand new Michelin tyres, plus 60 quid of petrol I put in it 5 minutes before the crash!!

Anyway, 10 minutes later he calls me back & says the Company storing my car had already SOLD IT!!! Saying that because I hadn't got back to them quick enough in the first instance & they issued a settlement cheque they had already sold my car!!

How can they sell me car, before I had agreed a valuation?? Does anyone know my legal standpoint here, at what point do I lose ownership of the car & how would you recommend I proceed?

Thanks in advance!!